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VW Scirocco R Line

VW has given the Scirocco an R-inspired makeover that includes big alloys and an aggressive bodykit

Verdict

4

The Volkswagen Scirocco R Line is a brilliant all-rounder in terms of looks, efficiency and performance. It won’t
be worth the extra £1,525 outlay for most buyers, but it makes sense if you’re looking for a more desirable package with a sportier appearance and handling edge over the Scirocco GT. The fact that this version is an official model line will help with residual values, too.

It’s based on the GT spec, but adds 19-inch alloys, a more aggressive front bumper and a new bodykit. Inside, there’s an R Line steering wheel with a perforated leather top and R Line heated leather bucket seats.

Embossed with an ‘R’ logo, they are much deeper and more supportive than those in the GT model. Well positioned chrome- look pedals complete the interior treatment, with standard kit from the GT including Adaptive Chassis Control, DAB radio and touchscreen sat-nav. Fit and finish are excellent.

The pack is offered across the range, but we tried it in the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI. It’s the most efficient Scirocco you can buy, with a smooth power delivery and one of the best-sounding four-cylinder diesel notes out there. It’s not the fastest – with 0-62mph taking 9.2 seconds – but it’s quiet at idle and provides decent torque on the motorway.

The larger wheels mean that while the ride is firmer than on the GT – which has 18-inch alloys – it’s still excellent at ironing out bumps. The Adaptive Chassis Control has default, Comfort and Sport modes, and there’s a noticeable benefit in selecting Comfort around town. If you accelerate hard, however, the nose lifts as you move off; Sport mode makes the Scirocco feel much more balanced.

When you boil it all down, though, the R Line is merely a more stylish Scirocco for £1,525 more than the GT. It looks the part, but not all buyers will be drawn in by the extra glamour.

Disqus - noscript

Submitted by sbcorsa on Wed, 2012-11-28 09:28.

Jeez, i'm perfectly confused. How many cars are we looking at here? So the R Line was inspired "by the range topping Scirocco R", as indicated in the first para below your Verdict box. That makes a Scirocco R, and a Scirocco R Line. The R Line seems to be the car where youre charged more.....for silly wheels and rubber band tyres, and a worse ride. Admit it AE, you haven't actually driven the car...."it’s still excellent at ironing out bumps" is really no more than co PR spoof. Seems a total contradiction to give a model the go-fast treatment, then you test it with the most prosaic engine available, an oiler. 9.2 seconds is not sporty, nor sports car, or even sports car-like. We started with the sporty Scirocco, then got the sportier[??] GT, then the ante was upped to the Scirocco R, and now the sublime[not] 'track-day' car called the R Line, incapable of getting off the mark faster than any boring old family hatch. Much as I love VW, I think they have made a hash-up of this car, with its totally confused identity. Never in the history of mankind will there be a vehicle that is all things to all people. Get used to it VW, and all the other idiot car makers that think they can do it.